It's been an incredible 30 years since Natalie Cassidy first arrived in Albert Square as Sonia Jackson. A lot has changed since that cheeky 10-year-old won the nation's hearts, and now, as one of Britain's most recognisable soap actors, Natalie enjoys idyllic family life far removed from Albert Square in her beautiful Hertfordshire home.
"I just can't believe that I've grown up on the telly," self-confessed "home bird" Natalie says, as she welcomes OK! inside. "It's been nothing but an amazing joy. I just feel so grateful and lucky to have had that in my life. My character Sonia has had ups and downs, but the biggest thing I feel is that she's become a bit of an icon."
From the moment we walk through the front door we can see why she tells us, "This is my happy place. I'm proud of it"
The EastEnders star, who lives with fiancé Marc Humphreys, daughters Eliza, 13, and Joanie, seven, proudly shows us round, describing her huge kitchen as “the heart of the home” where she hosts lots of family dinner parties.
Natalie also has her own space, which she refers to as the “posh lounge”. She says, “I don’t really allow many people in it. I don’t allow the children in with food. They’ve got to be bathed with their pyjamas on, and then they’re allowed to sit in it!”
She adds, “We did it up from scratch and I’m really proud of how it’s come out.”
The room contains green sofas, a cream carpet and some very personal touches, too. It has a bookshelf, filled with art books, and a side table with a trumpet as the support – a nod to Sonia’s infamous musical talents – which was a gift for Natalie’s 40th birthday in May.
Esta historia es de la edición October 30, 2023 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 30, 2023 de OK! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
SEASONAL SHOPPING
Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy
THE ROYAL WEEK
Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot